AB de Villiers, the former South African captain and the renowned "Mr. 360" of world cricket, celebrates his 41st birthday today, February 17, 2025. De Villiers is known for his exceptional cricketing prowess, particularly his aggressive batting style. The diversity and ingenuity of his batting earned him a unique global recognition.
De Villiers's unique ability was his capacity to strike the ball in any direction and to any corner of the field. This skill cemented his reputation as a 360-degree player. AB de Villiers set new standards in the world of cricket with his technical mastery, superb shot selection, and intensity.
He holds several records that remain a significant challenge for other players to break. One such record is his 2015 ODI century off just 31 balls – a feat yet to be matched. Furthermore, his consistency in both wicket-keeping and batting made him an exemplary cricketer.
Fastest Fifty in ODIs
In 2015, against the West Indies, AB de Villiers achieved a fifty in only 16 balls, a record for the fastest half-century in ODI cricket that still stands. Previously, this record was held by Sanath Jayasuriya, who scored a fifty off 17 balls against Pakistan in 1996.
Fastest Century in ODIs
De Villiers also holds the record for the fastest century in ODIs. In 2015, against the West Indies, he achieved a century in just 31 balls. Prior to this, the record was held by Corey Anderson, who scored a century off 36 balls against the West Indies in 2014.
Record for Most Consecutive Innings Without a Duck in Tests
In Test cricket, AB de Villiers holds the record for the most consecutive innings without being dismissed for a duck – 78 innings. He achieved this remarkable feat before being dismissed for a duck in the Centurion Test against Bangladesh in 2008-09.
AB de Villiers' International Record
* Test Cricket: 8765 runs in 114 matches, including 22 centuries and 46 half-centuries.
* ODI Cricket: 9577 runs in 228 matches, with an average of 53.5, including 25 centuries and 53 half-centuries.
* T20 Internationals: 1672 runs in 78 matches, including 10 half-centuries.
